Potentially Available Left-Handed Relievers

The Dodgers, Mets and Cardinals are among the contenders with potential interest in adding left-handed relievers to their respective bullpens this month. Here’s a partially speculative list of potentially available left-handers:

Jose Mijares, Royals – Mijares is pitching well and he earns just $925K, so there’s a good chance he’ll draw interest as a July trade candidate.

Darren Oliver, Blue Jays – The Blue Jays don’t figure to consider trades for Oliver unless their next three weeks are particularly ugly. If they do make him available he’d be in high demand.

Wesley Wright, Astros – Wright has three years of team control remaining after 2012, so the Astros aren’t under pressure to trade him. Wright has a 4.13 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 through 24 innings and will head to arbitration for the first time over the winter.

Brian Duensing, Twins – While there's no indication the Twins are shopping Duensing, they could consider offers for the 29-year-old at a time that left-handed relief is in demand. Duensing is on track for a significant raise via arbitration this coming offseason.

Joe Thatcher, Padres – The 30-year-old has averaged more than one strikeout per inning with the Padres, both in 2012 and for his career. It wouldn't be surprising if teams inquire about him.